Vancouver Gardens

VANDUSEN GARDEN 
This self-guided tour takes you around the picturesque landscape of the garden, walking through rolling lawns, tranquil lakes, a traditional maze, dramatic rock gardens, and VanDusen’s permanent sculpture collection.  Special cultural highlights include the two 2009-2011 Vancouver Biennale installations Growing Connections by Kaarina Kaikkonen (Finland) and Minotaur and Hare by Sophie Ryder (England).  This part of the tour will take around 2-3 hours.

This spectacular 55-acre site in the heart of Vancouver has matured into a botanical garden of international stature since opening to the public in 1975. The mild Vancouver climate allows the cultivation of an outstanding plant collection which is a delight any time of the year. VanDusen's collection includes 11,500 accessioned plants representing more than 7,300 plant families and 255,000 individual plants from around the world. The plant collections represent ecosystems that range from tropical South Africa to the Himalayas, to South America and the Mediterranean, across Canada’s Boreal forests and Great Plains to plants native to our own Pacific Northwest. VanDusen Botanical Garden also has a world-class restaurant on site (open till 9.00pm) which offers breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner.

As you enter the Botanical Garden you will be able to see the beautiful Phyllis Bentall Garden, a small area for people to sit and enjoy the landscape surrounded by an elegant pond.

1.         Livingstone Lake
Follow the path heading in the northeast direction to see Gerhard Juchum's sculpture "Fisher Hauling in the Net", located right beside the southeast corner of Livingstone Lake.

Fisher Hauling in the Net (Garden Permanent Collection)
Gerhard Juchum (Canada), Bronze resin  
Mr. Juchum arrived in Vancouver from Romania in 1968 and died in 1977. During his brief career in Canada he produced more than 100 sculptures. "Fisher Hauling in the Net" was donated to VanDusen Botanical Garden in 1976. Two other sculptures by Juchum can be found in Vancouver - Lovers on the front lawn of City Hall and Untitled at Jericho Beach.

Continue on the path heading north towards the Cypress Pond. Enjoy the water lilies during the summer months.

2.         Cypress Pond
The Bald Cypress Family and Bamboo are on your right after you cross the Pond.  You will come upon the Giant Redwoods (Sequoiadendrons). Bear left heading south towards the Mediterranean and Chilean Garden. To your right, on the grass facing the Heron Lake is the next sculpture:

Travertine Sculpture 75 or Three Forms or Family Life (Garden Permanent Collection)
David F. Marshall (Canada), Travertine
This sculpture was constructed for the 1975 Symposium at the VanDusen Botanical Gardens. Called Travertine Sculpture because of the material used, the sculpture is also referred to as "Three Forms or Family Life".

Modeling the form from the Fibonacci series, the sculpture is based upon a variety of planes and shapes, while focusing on contrast rather than formal unity. David Marshall stated, “The western side, facing the setting sun, is like a flat wall while the eastern side facing the sunrise is organic and rounded. The bottom block is carved into two forms. One is geometric, flat masculine; the other is organic, rounded feminine. The upper, smaller form, supported like a child by its parents, has some of the characteristics of each of the lower forms. It acts as a unifying element.”

Continue in the southbound direction visiting the Mediterranean and Chilean Garden on the left side of the path. Follow the path as it bends towards the westbound direction and cross the M bridge that sits between the Heron Lake and Livingstone Lake. Continue your garden visit passing through Heather Garden and Scottish Shelter towards the Great Lawn.  

3.                  Great Lawn
Van Dusen houses a collection of several sculptures sited throughout the Garden. Eleven larger stone sculptures were created at the Vancouver International Stone Sculpture Symposium, held here in 1975. You will find quite several of these sculptures in the Great Lawn. As you stroll along this large open space, on your right is a sculpture made of marble. 

Meta Morphosis (Garden Permanent Collection)
Olga Jancic (Yugoslavia), Marble
"Meta Morphosis" is a marble structure commissioned in 1975 by the VanDusen Sculpture Symposium. Ms. Jancic observed, “the moment it was laid down at its chosen place, the sculpture struck up a friendship with the surrounding countryside and started a quiet life of its own for many years to come.”

On the left side are:
Horizontal Column (Garden Permanent Collection)
Wolfgang Kubach and Anna-Maria Wilmsen-Kubach (Germany), Black Marble
"Horizontal Column" marks the fourth sculpture in our tour. It was made in black marble in 1975.

For the Botanical Garden (Garden Permanent Collection)
Hiromi Akiyama (France/Japan), Travertine
Akiyama explains that "The isolation of the artist causes weakness in any art movement and ultimately its diffusion, left to history. The human environment I believe is the only possibility for the symposia's existence.”

Observing Your Society (Garden Permanent Collection)
David Ruben (Canada), Marble
"Observing Your Society" is a remarkable work of sculpture. The faces in this piece are looking in three directions, one towards the sky and the others, east and west. The faces watch for growth and progress in our society. The eyes are constantly observing.

Follow the sign along the path and walk towards the MAZE. 

4.         MAZE
Mazes and labyrinths have fascinated people from the dawn of history. The legendary labyrinth beneath the Palace of Knossos on the island of Crete, in which the Hero Theseus killed the Minotaur, is perhaps the best known of the early mazes. Other mazes were made by the people of northern Europe, perhaps to confuse evil spirits or symbolically thread the difficult path of life. The hedge maze reached its zenith in Renaissance England more as a device for entertainment than serious purpose. The most famous was built by Cardinal Wolsley at Hampton Court. The VanDusen maze is made of 3,000 pyramidal cedars, Thuja occidentalis “fastigiata”, planted in the autumn of 1981. There is an observation terrace from which the less adventuresome visitor can view the maze.

Located at the entrance of the MAZE is Sophie Ryder’s 10ft wire sculpture, Minotaur and Hare 

Minotaur and Hare (Vancouver Biennale)
Sophie Ryder (United Kingdom), Wire mesh, ceramic
This twisted, anthropomorphic sculpture made of galvanized wire standing on a ceramic base might at first seem whimsical but according to ancient folklore the Minotaur and the Hare are incompatible opposites. In Greek mythology the Minotaur, often portrayed as part man and part bull, is a figure of courage and terror, while the Hare symbolizes fertility, agility, and bravery. Here they co-exist in harmony and admiration, or do they?

Now you can start heading back in the eastbound direction.

5.         Korean Pavilion & the Meditation Garden
This hexagonal pavilion in the colourful decorative style was a gift from the Korean people in 1986, at the conclusion of the Expo 86’s World’s Fair in Vancouver. In the landscape are some Korean native plants, including the national flower, Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus syriacus, and the exquisite Abeliophyllum distichum with white scented flowers in late winter.

As you start the Rhododendron Walk eastbound, do not miss "The Throne of Nezahualcoyotl" on the left side of the trail. (currently in transition)

Throne of Nezahualcoyotl (Garden Permanent Collection)
Sebastian Sculptor (Mexico), Painted Steel
This modernist sculpture was a gift from the government of Mexico to the VanDusen Botanical Garden in 1978. Due for a major restoration this year, the sculpture will once again shine within the Garden. This sculpture is named after the poet, architect, legislator and wise lord, Prince Nezahualcoyotl, one of the most renowned figures in the history of ancient Mexico. Ascending the throne of the Aztec state of Tetzcoco in 1418, he ruled for more than 40 years. His poetry dealt with metaphysical themes inspired by the beauty of nature and flowers.

Follow along the Rhododendron Walk which continues onto the Laburnum Walk.

6.         Lathhouse

Growing Connections, Vancouver Biennale
Kaarina Kaikkonen (Finland), Recycled clothing
This site-specific installation represents the growth of people and the connections within families. The work is a collection of different family trees. Men are the trunks and roots providing nourishment and support. The branches that extend towards the light represent the women and children of the family. They are making connections to the outside world and creating new life. This work of art was created with the help of VanDusen and Vancouver Biennale volunteers in May 2010.

Turn right at the glasshouse and you may want to take a break at the Shaughnessy Restaurant for refreshments before you leave the Garden.

The next garden on this tour is Queen Elizabeth Park. Walk eastbound along 37^th Avenue for one city block (300 m). Turn left on Willow Street and continue walking northbound for 400 metres to arrive at 33^rd Avenue.  Turn right to walk along 33^rd Avenue westbound for 350 metres to enter Queen Elizabeth Park.

QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK 
Queen Elizabeth Park is the second most visited park in Vancouver after Stanley Park. It is famous for being the highest point in the city, standing at 501 feet (167 meters) above sea level. The views from Queen Elizabeth Park are absolutely stunning! There is no entrance fee to visit this 130-acre (over 52 hectares) park.  This part of the tour will take around 1-2 hours.

The Park was officially named in 1940, following a 1939 visit by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The development of this former quarry started in 1948 and continued over a period of 20 years.  In 1949, the quarries' surrounding slopes were starting to be planted as an arboretum with the aim to include a specimen of every single tree native to Canada. There are 3000 trees, 1500 of which are within the outdoor arboretum.  It offers a diverse range of recreation including golf, tennis, lawn bowling and disc golf. An indoor Bloedel Floral Conservatory is a key feature of this garden.

After you enter the Park from 33^rd Avenue, turn right and walk along the path that is parallel to Kersland Street and you will come upon a large scale, rusty coloured sculpture.

1          Donut #7 (Vancouver Biennale)
Fletcher Benton (USA), Corten Steel
Fletcher Benton is represented in major museum collections and is well-known for his massive precisely crafted geometric metal sculptures that combine welded circles, spheres, cylinders, cubes, and squares composed and balanced in space. The “donut” referred to in the title  is the round, open holed form, which in the case of "Donut #7" holds and stabilizes the other geometric elements. The one long lone slender vertical line shoots upward balancing the heavy dense mass below.

Continue your walk along the path and it will lead you to the Rose Garden and the recreational facilities that are great for family fun – the Pitch & Putt Golf and the Tennis Courts.

2          Pitch and Putt Golf and Tennis Courts
The 18 hole pitch and putt course was opened in 1962 and is the highest in Vancouver! The holes are short and contoured par 3’s. None of them are over 110 yards, and without hazards to contend with, this course is great for beginners and fun for those with more experience. You don’t have to book a tee time in advance, and if you need clubs, caddies, tees, and balls these can be rented from the Pro Shop. The Queen Elizabeth Park Pitch and Putt is open daily from February through November, from 8am to dusk. There are also eight public tennis courts that are free for half an hour’s play.

After enjoying the recreational facilities of the park, you are ready to explore the highest point of the park. This will involve a hike uphill. If you find it too strenuous, you will need to arrange for other means of transportation.  Walk back towards the 33^rd Avenue entrance in the northbound direction and follow the sign to the Seasons in the Park restaurant or the Conservatory.

On your walk uphill, you will find the Seasons in the Park restaurant on your right.

3.         Seasons in the Park
If you are considering a break, take up a window table in Seasons in the Park to soak in the incredible views of the mountains and downtown Vancouver.

Or right beside the restaurant, you will find a spot where you can get a great view of the North Shore Mountains and downtown Vancouver. When you see J. Seward Johnson Jr.’s sculpture "Photo Session" that is where you should stop to take your photos.  Johnson is an American artist best known for his life-size bronze statues, which are castings of living people of all ages depicting them engaged in day-to-day activities.  A little trail will lead you down to the small beautiful North Quarry Garden right under the restaurant.

4.         North Quarry Garden
The smaller North Quarry Garden is situated next to the Seasons in the Park restaurant, and is a dry garden which has many Oriental horticultural influences.

After visiting the North Quarry Garden, continue your walk uphill and take the stairs on the left up to the Plaza.  

5.                  Queen Elizabeth Park Plaza
Dancing Fountains
The fountain was unveiled on April 12, 2007 when the redeveloped plaza was officially opened.  It is comprised of 70 jets using 85,000 litres of re-circulating water. 

Knife Edge - Two Piece (Park Collection)
Henry Moore (United Kingdom) Bronze
Moore is an English sculptor and artist. He is best known for his abstract monumental bronze public arts located around the world.  Many of his sculptures are abstractions of the human figure, depicting mother-and-child or reclining figures. Moore's works are usually suggestive of the female body and the forms are generally pierced or contain hollow spaces.  This sculpture is situated as part of the Dancing Fountains where children frequently play hide and seek around it.  The artwork was donated to the Park Board by avid modern art collector Prentice Bloedel when he funded the redevelopment of original Queen Elizabeth Park Plaza and Bloedel Floral Conservatory. 

Celebration Pavilion
This facility is perfectly located for hosting weddings, receptions and other special occasions inside the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park.

Take the stairs down to the platform level to visit the Conservatory and the Main Quarry Garden.

6.         Bloedel Floral Conservatory
Bloedel Floral Conservatory, the spectacular triodetic dome capping Queen Elizabeth Park, is filled with dazzling displays of exotic plants, tropical flowers, colorful 'Koi' fish, and eye-catching birds.  Over 100 birds of various species fly freely within its spacious dome.  This popular attraction is open to the public daily. An admission fee is charged.

Next to the Conservatory is the Painter Corner where landscape artists set up an outdoor gallery. The painters demonstrate their techniques to strollers and are happy to chat with park visitors. All works displayed are for sale and are the original work of the artists on-site. Portrait artists draw pictures and caricatures of park visitors while they sit.  

The Main Quarry Garden can be accessed by following the path down to this sunken garden.

7.         Main Quarry Garden
Queen Elizabeth Park was previously a working quarry, and many of the gardens have been developed using the huge quarry excavation. The main Quarry Garden, close to the Bloedel Floral Conservatory, features beautiful and colorful perennials and annual flower beds, plus a cascading waterfall and stream running through.

Follow the trail that leads you downhill and take the 30^th Avenue exit out to Cambie Street. Continue your walk northbound along Cambie for 650 metre to arrive at the Canada Line – King Edward Station. This will take about nine minutes.

CANADA LINE - KING EDWARD STATION Next to the station on the west side of Cambie Street was the History of Loss (by Sudarshan Shetty) installation. Twice the target of thieves, the History of Loss has been removed on December 16, 2010 to protect the artwork from further damage.  From here, you can catch the Canada Line Skytrain northbound to return to Vancouver.

History of Loss (Vancouver Biennale)
Sudarshan Shetty (India), Plexiglass, aluminium, steel
The casts of aluminum Volkswagen Beetle model cars are displayed in clear plexiglass boxes stacked in repeated rows, each marked with a date. The replicas are miniature, mimicking children’s toy cars, a reference to a childlike desire, and nostalgic memory. Shetty diligently cast each individual car, identical, perfect and pristine, and then deliberately dropped them one by one from around 300 feet with the sole purpose to damage each one, thereby making each one unique. Shetty’s piece draws attention to the environmental damage caused by the combustion engine by placing each vehicle into a coffin-like box, on display as a museum relic or artifact. Click here to view this artwork on this website.

Extension Option:
A Taste of Asia – Richmond Exploration
Take the southbound Canada Line train to the Aberdeen Station in Richmond to start this tour.  This self-guided tour takes you through the Golden Village in north Richmond No. 3 Road.  You will find monumental artworks in the midst of Asian-themed and Western-style shopping malls.  Richmond has the largest immigrant population by proportion of any city in Canada with the majority of those immigrants being of Asian descent.  You can get a taste of Asia going through the shops inside the mall which range from tea merchant to herbal medicines, music CDs and book stores, fashion and jewelers.  Food abounds! More than 400 Asian restaurants serve cuisines from different Asian countries.  The tour includes a public art tour of the Richmond Oval, home to long track speed skating during 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Author:  Peggy Chiu
Editors:  Katherine Tong, Gillian Wood

The information and opinions in this document represents solely the views of the author and are not intended as a recommendation to purchase any products or use of any services.